Hepler, Marie Woelk (1906-1942)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1942 May 7 p. 1

Birth date: 1906 Nov 20

text of obituary:

Storms and Floods take Heavy Toll of Life In Widely Scattered Areas of Central West

MARVIN SCHMIDT AMONG THOSE KILLED BY TORNADO IN SOUTHEASTERN KANSAS

Devastating storms again swept through widely scattered areas in Kansas and Oklahoma during the past week, taking a heavy toll of life and property.

The first of the tornadoes to strike last week was the one at Oberlin, in northwest Kansas,where 14 persons were killed and many others injured when the violent storm leveled a number of farm homes late Thursday night. The families were asleep, unaware of the approaching storm.

Most extensive damage was done in the vicinity of Pawhuska, Oklahoma, and in southeastern Kansas on Saturday. In Oklahoma the death toll was estimated between 30 and 40, with heavy property damage in the residential section of Pawhuska.

Friends in the Newton and Goessel communities were deeply grieved to hear that Marvin Schmidt, 30, farmer living five miles southwest of Fredonia, was killed in the storm which cut through that farming district late Saturday afternoon. He died almost instantly froma crushed chest and other injuries when he was hit by flying timbers in his barn. Mrs. Schmidt and the children who were in the house were not injured, although the house too was moved from its foundation.

Mr. Schmidt was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Abe Schmidt of Goessel. He and his family had moved to Fredonia only a few years ago.

Funeral services were held at Fredonia on Tuesday, after which the body was brought to Goessel, where services will be held this afternoon (Thursday) at 1:30 at the home of his parents and at 2:30 at the Tabor church.

Mr. Schmidt is survived by his deeply sorrowing wife, who is a daughter of mr. and Mrs. Herman Frey of Fredonia, and by two sons, age two and four years.

Tragedy at Clements

From near Clements, Kansas, came the shocking news that Mr. and Mrs. Charles A. Hepler were burned beyond recognition in a fire that destroyed their small farm home sometime after midnight on Friday morning.

Mrs. Hepler was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. H. A. Woelk of Goessel, and a sister of Mrs. Walter Entz southeast of Newton, and Miss Hulda Woelk, a nurse at the Bethel Deaconess Hospital.

The fire resulted from an explosion of gas, according to neighbors who rushed to the scene. Mr. and Mrs. Hepler had installed a gas stove a short time ago, and it is believed that a leak somewhere might have filled the house with gas, which was later exploded by the pilot light on the kitchen range.

The first neighbor to arrive found the bodies lying face downard completely enveloped in flames and beyond possibility of rescue. The Chase county coroner said the couple evidently was overcome by gas before the blast.

The remains were brought to Goessel early this week, where funeral services were held Wednesday morning at the Goessel Mennonite church. Interment was made in the Goessel cemetery.

Surviving Mrs. Hepler are four brothers, Henry Woelk of Wichita, Alvin Woelk of Walton, Arthur Woelk of Lehigh and Eldon at home.

Mr. Hepler is survived by his father, Andrew Hepler, a brother Tom, and two sisters, Mrs. Ray Holdeman and Miss Grace Hepler.

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1942 May 28 p. 5

text of obituary:

Marie Woelk Hepler

Marie Woelk Hepler, daughter of Henry A. and Kathrine Schmidt Woelk, was born November 20, 1906, near Goessel, Kansas. She attended district school seven years. At the age of 13 she gave up school to take over the household duties at home and also the responsibility of caring for her little half-brother and sister who had been left motherless. After four years of devoted care to her father, brothers and sisters she was able to return to school. She attended Moundridge high school, graduating with the class of 1930.

Upon the confession of her faith she was baptised on May 28, 1923, by Rev. P. H. Richert and became a member of the Goessel Mennonite Church.

On December 6, 1941, Marie was married to Charlie A. Hepler. They moved to their farm in the Homestead Community near Clements where she became a member of the Friends Church. her married life and residence in this community was of short duration. Early on the morning of May 2, an explosion caused by a leak in the propane gas system resulted in a fire in which she and her husband perished.

She attained the age of 35 years 5 months and 12 days.

Her entire life was spent in service. After her graduation from high school she was engaged in houshold [sic] work in various homes in Newton, Wichita, and Visalia, California. She also served as cook in the Old Folks Home in Goessel and as cook in the Bethesda Hospital.

Marie was very active in church work. She was instrumental in organizing the Mission Friends Circle of the Goessel church. After moving to her new home she joined the Ladies Aid of the friends church and there also proved to be an active member.

She was loved and cherished by all. She made friends wherever she went, always ready to help or render service where it was needed. Only a week before her departure she remarked, "I hope my life will be a light to lead others to Christ."

She leaves to mourn her departure her parents, Mr. and Mrs. H. A. Woelk, four brothers and two sisters, Henry of Wichita, Alvin and family of Peabody, Arthur and family of Lehigh, Anna, or Mrs. Walter Entz and family of Newton., Hilda of newton, and Eldon of the home.

Her mother, a step-mother, a brother and a sister preceded her in death.

The Mennonite obituary: 1942 Jul 7 p. 6